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Author: Eric Branch

The 49ers beat the Panthers, 23-10, in a divisional-playoff game Sunday at Bank of America Stadium to advance to the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the Seahawks at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 in Seattle. The 49ers, who have advanced to three straight NFC title games, have lost by a combined score of 71-16 in their past two road games against the Seahawks, their bitter NFC West rivals. …

Rogers, whose hamstring injury prevented him from practicing this week, is inactive and Perrish Cox will presumably assume the role of nickel cornerback. Last week, Cox surprisingly leapfrogged Eric Wright on the depth chart and allowed just one catch in a 23-20 wild-card win at Green Bay. …

Two months later, Dilfer clarified the quote that inspired countless blogs (and a terse retort from Kaepernick) on a conference call this week.“I went back and wish I could change that word, it was such a hot-button word,” Dilfer said. “I knew what I was talking about and stick by it.” …

How often does Crabtree mention Texas Tech’s 39-33 win over No. 1 Texas and McCoy in 2008, a victory he sealed with a 28-yard touchdown with one second left? “Oh, all the time,” McCoy said. “Really, all the time.” …

Today, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Cox was the surprise choice to play nickel cornerback in a wild-card win at Green Bay because he performed better in practice and meetings than Wright. Cox, who was waived by the 49ers on Nov. 12, was re-signed just six days before last week’s kickoff. …

The Panthers have the home-field advantage, an extra week of rest, a November road victory over the 49ers and 11 wins in their past 12 games. They also possess – much to Mike Tolbert’s surprise – underdog status. …

This wasn’t how 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman drew it up. For the second time since 2012, Penn State has passed on making Roman its head coach. According to CBS Sports, the school will hire Vanderbilt’s James Franklin after Roman reportedly interviewed with school officials on Monday in Chicago. …

Before NaVorro Bowman was a three-time All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year candidate, he was a third-round pick who spent his rookie season in 2010 backing up Takeo Spikes. However, running back Frank Gore, who possesses a sharp eye for talent, saw enough to tell his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, his young client was an excellent investment. …